Weymouth College is delighted to announce its annual Arts Festival, an inspiring celebration of creativity, innovation and collaboration.

 This year's festival, titled 'The Hidden Side of the Museum' is a one-night-only, multi-disciplinary exhibition and performance at Dorset Museum in Dorchester.

For the sixth year, the Friendly Society of Artistic Labourers (FSAL) is bringing together creative practitioners, students across all the College's creative arts subjects and industry professionals to uncover and reinterpret the lesser-known narratives behind Dorset Museum's collections.

 With over three million artefacts in the museum's holdings, many stories remain untold – particularly those linked to colonial legacies, extractive practices and overlooked histories. 

Our students will be tackling these themes through innovative, multi-disciplinary approaches, culminating in a groundbreaking exhibition and performance event that blurs the lines between history and contemporary art.

Join us on Friday, March 14th, from 6pm to 9pm at Dorset Museum, where students will transform the museum's galleries into an immersive stage for artistic exploration. 

A night of art, performance & discovery

Through photography, installation, live performance, and interactive works, students will reinterpret the museum's rich collection, breathing new life into historical artefacts.

Visitors will encounter live performances weaving together past and present, thought-provoking artworks inspired by Dorset Museum's treasures, and interactive experiences that challenge perceptions of museums and their narratives. 

This is not a conventional exhibition – it's an experience. The museum itself becomes a living artwork, inviting audiences to engage in unexpected and inspiring ways. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about the fusion of creativity and heritage, The Hidden Museum promises an evening of intrigue, inspiration, and discovery. Expect the unexpected, follow the unseen, and uncover the hidden.

A transformative learning experience for students 

The FSAL project offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for Weymouth College students to gain hands-on experience working with practising artists, under the leadership of Simon Lee Dicker, founder of the Od Arts Festival in West Coker, Somerset. 

Students participate in presentations, screenings and workshops led by professional artists with expertise in museum and heritage contexts.

During an intensive two-week period of planning and creative workshops, students collaborate across disciplines to produce new work for this public exhibition. One of the most exciting aspects of The Hidden Museum is its open-ended nature – no one knows exactly how the event will unfold until the night itself, ensuring a dynamic and organic artistic experience.

 As with previous FSAL projects, students are given the creative freedom to explore, experiment, and shape the direction of the exhibition, allowing them to become fully immersed in the production of a live arts event.

Find out more about FSAL here: https://www.artisticlabourers.co.uk/

Join us

This event is free and open to all – don't miss your chance to experience this extraordinary fusion of art and history. Book your free tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hidden-side-of-the-museum-tickets-1235783133619?aff=ebdssbdestsearch